Montreal Turkey Burgers...

Some of you may have noticed that I hadn't posted anything for several days. I was in New York City, my old stomping grounds. It was my first solo trip ever without my hubby or kids.

A few weeks before leaving, I was excited. I had a list of all the shops and restaurants I wanted to check out. I was burnt out from being a stay-at-home mom for the last four years and in need of a vacation. Two days before the trip I was having panic attacks. My heart would start racing at the thought of leaving my babies. Would they be traumatized? What if something were to happen to me? All these terrible thoughts ran through my brain. I even cried a few times. The morning of my flight, I felt calm. I was prepared and ready to make the leap.

The flight was smooth and one of my oldest friends was nice enough to pick me up from the airport in his sleek convertible. The trip was off to a great start! I was in the city for four days total, there is so much I love and miss about it.

Although it was fun and glamorous, I realized that there really is NO PLACE like home. The flight back felt like an eternity. I could barely wait to see my family. I didn't need to be away from them to remember how much I love and appreciate them. But I came back refreshed; cherishing every second with them.

Each meal during my trip was eaten out at a restaurant. There are no shortages of amazing places to dine in Manhattan. After four days of eating at restaurant after restaurant, I actually missed having a home-cooked meal and messing around in the kitchen. Well...I'm back!

Tonight's dinner was simple and healthy. I made turkey burgers but loaded the patties up with fruit and veggies. A girlfriend of mine had once mentioned that she had delicious turkey burgers that were laced with Montreal seasoning. I thought I'd give it a try.  Here's what I came up with.

Montreal Turkey Burgers

• 1 small apple; peeled, cored and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 small onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil 
• 1 tsp kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp if your Montreal seasoning has salt already in it)
• 1 tsp Montreal seasoning (check the ingredients to see whether or not it contains salt)
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Hamburger buns

Put the apple, carrot and onion pieces in the chopper or food processor and pulse until it is all minced fine.

Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add apple/carrot/onion mixture plus half of the salt. Cook for 10 minutes or until the veggies are soft but not browning, stirring occasionally. Set aside in a large bowl to cool.

When your veggie mixture has cooled; add the ground turkey, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Montreal seasoning and the other half of the salt into the bowl. Mix well with your hands until everything is combined.

Form into four large patties.

Heat up your grill. When it is very hot, place your burger patties on. Keep your heat on high. Cook 4 minutes per side.

Serve on hamburger buns with toppings and condiments of your choice.


Oven Fries

• 2 large Russet/Baking potatoes; cut in halves lengthwise, then cut those halves into fourths lengthwise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

In a bowl; add your potato wedges, oil, salt and pepper. Toss with your hands until the potatoes are evenly coated. Place them evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

When the oven has reached the right tempterature, put the potatoes in and bake for about 30 minutes or until just they are starting to brown and are fork tender. Serve hot or warm.

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